Page 36 of The CEO's Christmas Wife

“Let me go see if Uncle JR is ready. We’re going to dig the car out of the snow first and bring it back here to park. Kyle will drive up and pick it up from here. Uncle JR is driving us to the airport, and I’ve already talked with Kyle.”

“Great. I’ve just got a few more things to pack up, and I’ll be ready.”

“A’ight. I’ll be back.”

I pulled my phone out and texted my mother while he went to check with his uncle.

ME:Hey, we’re about to leave Mistletoe Falls.

I smirked and laughed when her response came back immediately.

“Leave it to Mama to be up at seven waiting for someone to call or text her,” I stated aloud and chuckled.

MAMA: You still have to stop in Atlanta?

ME: No. We changed it to a virtual meeting.

MAMA: So straight to New York and then what?

ME: We’ll be there a couple of days, but I’ll be home for the ultimate celebration.

MAMA: Perfect. I’ll see you then. Have a safe flight, and call me when you land.

ME: I will, Mama. Love you.

MAMA: Love you more.

I stuck my phone in the back pocket of my jeans and headed to the door. I wanted to see Frances. I knew they would be there to say goodbye, but I also wanted a moment alone with her before we left. I appreciated her for welcoming me into her home with open arms. It wasn’t just this picturesque town that made this holiday beautiful for me, but the love in her home and her heart.

I pulled the door open and heard Kayn and JR speaking.

“. . . handle in New York.”

“Son, this is your mother we’re talking about. God hasn’t promised us tomorrow.”

“She never cared before, so why should I now?”

“Emmanuel, she had a stroke. They’re saying she might not make it until tonight. Please see her. If she doesn’t make it, you don’t want that on your heart. You’ve got to forgive, Son.”

“Nah. I’m good on all that. Besides, I gotta get to New York and get Kandi back to see her family. I’ve held her up long enough.”

I stepped around the corner, shocked at what I heard. Yes, I would love to be with my family, but it was more important that Kayn was with his mother. I had years of Christmas memories, and I would have plenty more, God willing. It didn’t sound like he had many more with his mother.

“Excuse me. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was coming out to look for Aunt Frances, but I overheard your conversation. Kayn, honey, you need to see your mom. I’ll be fine. I can always see my family. I don’t want you worried about me.”

JR looked at me and declared, “Maybe you’ll have better luck than me. He’s a stubborn one.”

I watched as JR walked away, and then I turned to Kayn. His jaw was set in a firm line, and I could tell that he wouldn’t budge, and if he did, it would take work.

“Please come in here and talk to me,” I pleaded, tugging his hand back toward the guest room.

He followed me, but we didn’t speak until after we were seated on the bed.

“Why don’t you want to see your mother?”

“I ain’t got nothing to say to that woman.”

“That woman? That woman is the one who gave you life, no matter what she’s done, Kayn. At least, if what your uncle says is right, you should go say your goodbyes.”

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